Key facts

Language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component

Study abroad option: YesWork placement option: Yes

Overview

This flexible degree allows you to become fluent in German while exploring literature, cinema, philosophy, politics, history or specialised uses of language. Core modules will improve your language skills and introduce you to German culture and society, but youll also choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as translation, using German in a professional context and representations of war and conflict.

Theology focuses on the beliefs and ideas of one religious tradition. Religious Studies looks at different religions and faith communities. Both subjects think about how religions shape and are shaped by wider society. At Leeds youll be able to explore the role and development of religious belief and practice from both perspectives. Core and optional modules will allow you to explore all the major world religions, what they have meant to people over time and how they are evolving today.

Course content

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

German

You’ll sharpen your language skills in your first year, as well as exploring German culture, history or translation. Following this you’ll continue with core language study and choose from optional modules on topics such as German cinema or politics in the ‘Berlin Republic’. All of this will prepare you to spend your time abroad working or studying in a German-speaking country. When you return, you’ll take advanced language classes and choose from further options, including the use of German as a professional language.

Theology and Religious Studies

Core modules in your first year will introduce the principles of theology and religious studies, studying Christian theology and the role of religion in modern Britain. Youll also choose from optional modules on religious traditions such as East Asian religions or themes like philosophy of religion. Youll develop your knowledge over the next two years: a core module will place religion in context and youll choose optional modules covering diverse topics, from the concept of sin to African religious practice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

German Core Language 1

20 credits

IT for LCS Students

5 credits

Introduction to the Study of Religion/s

10 credits

Introducing Theology

10 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

Introduction to Modern Germany

20 credits

Approaching German Culture

20 credits

Skills in German Translation

20 credits

Introduction to the Study of Islam

10 credits

Introduction to the Study of Judaism

10 credits

Introduction to South Asian Religions

10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

German Core Language 2

20 credits

Studying Religion in Context

20 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

Applied German Language

20 credits

Gender, Culture and Representation in German History 1871-2000

20 credits

The Shock of the New: Culture and Power in Germany from the Second to the Third Reich

20 credits

Sociology of Religion I

20 credits

Religion, Gender and Society

20 credits

The Sikh tradition

20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

German Year Abroad

120 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

German Core Language 3

20 credits

Final Year Project

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

Assessment

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including A in German.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

M1, M1, M1 including German

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in German at Higher Level

Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in German

Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

BB in Advanced Highers including German and AABBB in Highers, or B in German in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 77% including 85% in German.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.

When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABC at A Level including A in German and grade A in the EPQ.

Alternative entry

Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

English language requirements

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for the programme may be able to study an English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional course with a progression route to the degree programme. For information and entry requirements, read Pre-sessional programmes.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If youre unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Fees

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2017, the fee for 2017/18 will be £9,250.

The fee for undergraduate students starting in 2018 will be confirmed in September 2017.

The fee is likely to increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% for 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in 2017 will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. Read the full government statement

The UK government has also confirmed that non-UK EU students in 2018-19 will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that youre intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

Youll have good research skills, and youll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. Youll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, youll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. Theyve gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one
of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most
of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find
out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of
help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed
decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Placement opportunities

Residence abroad

Youll spend your third year in a German-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

We have partnerships with a number of universities in Germany and Austria where you could study, or you could apply for a paid work placement either with one of our partner companies or with an organisation of your choice. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Councils programme.

Whatever you choose to do, youll gain a new insight into German-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time there, youll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, its the real highlight of their course.